Standing for Election

Am I eligible to stand for election?

To stand for election to the District or County Council, on the day of nomination, you must be:

• 18 or over
• Be a UK, EU or Commonwealth citizen

You must meet at least one of the following qualifications: 

• Be registered to vote as a local government elector in the area
• Occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the local authority area
• Your main or only place of work is in the local authority area
• Live in the local authority area 

You cannot stand if:

• You work for the Council
• You hold a politically restricted post for another local authority
• You are bankrupt
• You have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of 3 months or more within 5 years before the election
• You have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal electoral practices

Standing as a Councillor for a political party

The majority of people become Councillors as a result of joining a political party.

However, you do not need to be a member of a political party to stand as a Councillor. You will be classed as an independent. 

If you are thinking of standing as a candidate for a particular political party then you will need to be a member of that party's local organisation.

What do I do next?

Ahead of polling day you will need to complete and submit a valid nomination form in order to stand for election. Please visit the relevant election webpage for a timetable of when you need to submit your forms.

Nomination forms can be found on the Electoral Commission website, or a pack can be requested from the Electoral Services office. 

For more information, and to receive a nomination pack, please contact the Electoral Services team using the contact form below. They can provide advice on how to submit your forms and the process for standing for election.

The independent group of the Local Government Association (LGA) has also prepared a helpful guide for Councillors and candidates (please see below).